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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 42-year-old man who broke into two shops through the roof and stole goods worth about $4 000 was yesterday jailed for 10 years.

Aleck Kaitano of Section 3 Kambuzuma, Harare, pleaded guilty to theft charges.

Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe said cases of theft were prevalent in Harare.

“Although the accused is a first offender who pleaded guilty, showing contrition, cases of this nature are now rampant,” said Mr Mahwe.

Two years of the 10 years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

Another two years were suspended on condition that Kaitano restitutes the complainants of $2 494 and $1 316 respectively.

“All the recovered items are to be returned to their owners,” ruled Mr Mahwe.

Prosecuting, Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa told the court that on April 6 at around 7pm, Desmond Mudarikwa locked his shop and secured the premises before he left.

Kaitano removed an iron sheet on the roof and entered the shop.

He stole various goods including mobile phones worth $2 494.

On the same night, Kaitano proceeded to Cecilia Mupfurutsa’s shop.

Using the same modus operandi, he gained entry through the roof and stole goods worth $1 316.

On May 24 detectives received a tip-off leading to Kaitano’s arrest. He was found in possession of some of the stolen items.

Goods worth $253 were recovered